Campaign seeks ban on animal testing

CHENNAI: The Indian arm of Humane Society International (HSI), an animal welfare organisation, launched its 'Be Cruelty-Free' campaign in the city on Monday to request the government to ban testing of cosmetics on animals.

"India has displayed sensitivity to animal issues by banning use of animals for dissection," said Wayne Pacelle, president, Humane Society, US, who was in Chennai for the event. Across the world, millions of animals are subject to skin and eye irritation tests, where chemicals are rubbed onto shaved skin or dripped into the eyes of rabbits. "Most of these tests have alternatives," said Pacelle, who is also on the HSI board. 'Be Cruelty-Free' is a global effort launched by HSI and its partners in April this year. Some countries have banned cosmetic testing. The EU banned animal testing in 2009.

"Banning animal testing will also promote better science because the results they produce may not be reliable for human beings," said Pacelle, who will be launching HSI India in Mumbai on November 28, World Compassion Day, at an event attended by the Dalai Lama.